Town Clarifies Greenwich Avenue Intersection Improvement Project

GREENWICH, CT — Following last week's Planning & Zoning Commission meeting in which a pre-application was heard on potential improvements at two Greenwich intersections, the town is clarifying details and shifting its focus in the project.

The pre-application outlined preliminary improvements at Arch Street and Havemeyer Place, and Fawcett Place and Grigg Street, two areas that are heavily trafficked by pedestrians and motorists. The town says the improvements are necessary to enhance safety and aesthetics in the heart of Greenwich.

The improvements are part of a larger project for Greenwich Avenue. Elm Street was the first intersection that was improved last year.

On a specially made Department of Public Works website, other conceptual plans are listed for intersections along the .6 mile stretch of road.

During the P&Z meeting last week, DPW senior civil engineer Jason Kaufman, in talking about the entire stretch of Greenwich Avenue, said 43 parking spaces could be lost as a result of the projects, but a net loss of 29 could be expected since the department would try and add spaces back in where possible.

Residents and property owners objected to the projects because of a potential impact on parking.

The town and DPW stressed this week that the overall plan for Greenwich Avenue is preliminary and not set in stone, and are subject to change as design concepts are reviewed and revised.

DPW also announced that it will focus on the Arch Street/Havemeyer Place intersection, which will in fact add three new parking spaces to the area.

"The helpful feedback provided by the public during the pre-application meeting has given Department of Public Works the opportunity to continue to evaluate community needs and to further modify the project’s plans," DPW said in a news release this week.

"At this time the primary focus is on the Arch Street and Havemeyer Place intersection and the Department will continue to look at improvements at the Grigg Street and Fawcett Place intersection. Since the pre-application meeting, the team is exploring opportunities to create more parking spaces and accommodate outdoor dining."

In First Selectman Fred Camillo's budget, $2.8 million is earmarked for the two intersection improvements.

During his updates portion in Thursday's Board of Selectmen meeting, Camillo spoke about the projects in an attempt to quell misinformation about who's paying for the construction.

"The bump-outs at Arch Street are not costing a penny. Even though we appropriated money in the budget for it, it's going to be100 percent grant funded by WestCOG (Western Connecticut Council of Governments)," Camillo said.

"[Arch Street] adds at least three spaces. We're hoping for maybe more. Nothing is taken away, not one space. Arch Street really is a win, win, win. It's a no brainer," Camillo added. "The other intersections and street corners, I met with DPW [Wednesday]. They want to work with everybody. They want to hear ideas and see how they can help."

DPW said there will be additional opportunities for the public to be involved in this process prior to the completion of construction.

Key Features Of Arch Street/Havemeyer Improvements

According to DPW, during the peak traffic hour on Greenwich Avenue, there are an average of 342 pedestrians and 898 vehicles traveling through the Greenwich Avenue, Arch Street and Havemeyer Place intersection.

According to preliminary plans, improvements at that intersection would:

• Decrease the distance and time it takes to cross Arch Street by up to 76 percent.
• Decrease the distance and time it takes to cross Greenwich Avenue by up to 51 percent.
• Decrease the distance and time it takes to cross Havemeyer Place by up to 57 percent.
• Improve sightlines and visibility between drivers and pedestrians
• Make road more accessible by flattening steep grade
• Install decorative crosswalks
• Incorporate landscaping

During the P&Z meeting last week, Chairwoman Margarita Alban said more pedestrian friendly towns seem to attract more people, which in turn helps businesses thrive.